In 1987, the U.S. Congress chose May as National Photograph Month. As the family caregiver, it is the perfect time to sit down with your parent who has Alzheimer’s and start creating photo journals. Photo journals are an excellent way for your mom or dad to converse with you as Alzheimer’s progresses.
Here are tips for creating the perfect photo journals for someone with Alzheimer’s.
Sort Photos Together
If possible, the best time to sort photos is when your parent is still in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers. Use the information you gather to decide which photos are most important. Sort photos by years and by categories, such as friends, family, and travel.
Take Current Photos Too
As your parent’s memory slips, your mom or dad will often remember you better as a child. Make sure there are updated photos of you with your parent in the selection. If there are not many, plan a fun day out together and take plenty of photos to add to the more recent history in the photo journal you are creating.
Record Stories and Photos Digitally for the Future
For the journals, you’ll want captions for photos that can be read to your mom or dad. It may be easier to record the stories your mom or dad tells and then transcribe them later. A computer provides an easy way to record conversations. Store them using cloud storage that you can share with others.
Create a Memory Box for the Wall
A memory box is a good way to save the best items for your parent. These boxes hold objects and photos and can be hung on a wall. Each time your parent walks past the box, there will be familiar objects that he or she can focus on.
By having photos for past and present memories, you’ll make it easier to connect when the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s disease is brutal for everyone involved, especially when your parent starts to forget who you are. Leave photo journals in an accessible place for family members and elderly caregivers to use. Take time to show the photos to your mom or dad’s caregiver of elderly care and address any questions. The caregivers will be able to get to know relationships and stories that are useful when looking after your parent.
Sources: http://www.americanphotographyassociation.org/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Doral FL, contact the caring staff at Providence Healthcare Services. We provide services in all of Miami Dade county and the Upper Keys. Call today (305) 680-5349.
